National Nutrition Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide specialized technical and coordination support to the Ministry of Health and UNICEF Uzbekistan in advancing priority nutrition activities. The consultant will be responsible for developing, reviewing, and providing technical support for health and nutrition-related policies, strategies, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks. The role requires collaboration with national stakeholders and the Ministry of Health to ensure effective implementation of nutrition programs, particularly focusing on breastfeeding promotion and support. The consultant will also engage in policy dialogue, research activities, and multi-sectoral processes involving government and development partners, ensuring alignment with WHO and UNICEF recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support in the development and review of health and nutrition-related policies and guidelines.
• Coordinate technical consultations and policy dialogues with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
• Prepare analytical, technical, and policy documents related to nutrition and health.
• Support the implementation of breastfeeding promotion programs and ensure adherence to BFHI and IYCF approaches.
• Engage in multi-sectoral processes to advance nutrition activities in Uzbekistan.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition programs and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with international organizations and development partners to align efforts and share best practices.
• Stay updated on international standards and recommendations related to nutrition and public health.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Medicine, Health Policy, or a relevant field.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in maternal, newborn, and child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, public health, or health systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and reviewing health and nutrition policies and guidelines.
• Proven technical experience in breastfeeding promotion and support programs.
• Strong knowledge of the health system and regulatory environment in Uzbekistan.
• Familiarity with WHO and UNICEF recommendations related to nutrition and public health.
• Experience in digital health systems and monitoring frameworks is preferred.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Medicine, Health Policy, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the health and nutrition initiatives in Uzbekistan.

Experience:
The position requires at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields such as maternal, newborn, and child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, public health, or health systems strengthening. This extensive experience is crucial for the consultant to navigate the complexities of health and nutrition policies and programs effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Uzbek and Russian is required for this position, as these are the primary languages used in the region. A working knowledge of English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and access to global resources.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote-based with a contract duration of 6 months. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.